A charity helping victims of sexual abuse is providing "invaluable support" to help people to rebuild their lives, Thames Valley's police and crime commissioner has said.

Matthew Barber visited Hope After Harm on Monday, November 25, to see how they support victims of sexual violence across the Thames Valley and meet the team to hear more about developments in the service.

The charity, which was previously known as the Thames Valley Partnership, delivers the Thames Valley Sexual Violence Service.

This service was funded and commissioned by the police and crime commissioner earlier in the year as part of his wider Victims First provision.

The visit took place on White Ribbon Day, which aims to prevent violence against women and girls by addressing its root causes.

Since its launch in April, the service has helped 686 victims of sexual violence.

Mr Barber said: "One of my top priorities is to continue to support the police, criminal justice partners, and victim services to help those who are subject to some of the worst crimes imaginable.

"This dedicated free support to people affected by sexual violence and abuse is key in rebuilding lives and is offering a much-needed service to hundreds of victims.

"I am pleased to be able to visit today and meet the team delivering this invaluable support, and to find out more about the impact it is having in helping victims and survivors across our communities.

"I know it can be difficult for victims of crime, especially those who have experienced sexual violence or domestic abuse, to reach out for help.

"This White Ribbon Day I urge anyone needing support to contact Victims First on 0300 1234 148."

The service offers a range of support including specialist independent sexual violence advisors, who provide emotional and practical one-to-one support and can guide victims through the criminal justice system.

They have also developed a range of peer support and informal and structured specialist group support.

The support is available to all victims of sexual violence in the Thames Valley, regardless of whether the crime was reported to the police or not, and can be accessed for both recent and historic crimes.

Thalia Jervis, CEO of Hope After Harm, said: "It is our privilege to be there to support victims of sexual violence through the darkest of times.

"We are hugely grateful to the police and crime commissioner for their support, and also to our dedicated and expert independent sexual violence advisers who provide such expert and compassionate help, alongside our volunteers, enabling those we serve to move on with their lives."